The Bibliollama

Title: Nettle and Bone
Author: T Kingfisher
Dates read: 16/03/25 - 09/04/25
Rating 3/5

Publisher: Titan Boks
Number of pages: 336
Fiction or non-fiction: fiction
Subject or genre: adventure, fantasy, horror

Book blurb:

A dark and compelling fantasy about sisterhood, impossible tasks and the price of power, from award-winning author T. Kingfisher

After years of seeing her sisters suffer at the hands of an abusive prince, Marra―the shy, convent-raised, third-born daughter―has finally realized that no one is coming to their rescue. No one, except for Marra herself

Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a prince―if she can complete three impossible tasks. But, as is the way in tales of princes, witches, and daughters, the impossible is only the beginning.

On her quest, Marra is joined by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra's family and their kingdom from its tyrannous ruler at last.

How I discovered or acquired this book: I had heard so many good things about T Kingfisher, and this was the only book of hers my library had on Borrowbox - and the last paragraph of the blurb really caught my attention

Notable quotes 'How did you get a demon in your chicken?'

'The usual way. Couldn't put it in the rooster. That's how you get basilisks.'

My thoughts I went into Nettle & Bone with high hopes after hearing so much praise for T. Kingfisher’s writing - and while the story didn’t fully land for me, I can absolutely see why her work has such a dedicated following.

At its core, this is a quiet, dark fairytale with a thread of grim humor and a cast of odd, endearing characters. I appreciated the unique structure and the way Kingfisher plays with fairytale tropes, twisting them into something fresh and a little off-kilter. There’s a definite charm to the way she builds her world, slipping between light and shadow, grit and whimsy.

That said, the pacing felt uneven for me, and I struggled to connect deeply with the characters or their journey. I found myself admiring the cleverness of the writing more than getting emotionally invested in the stakes.

Still, I loved Kingfisher’s turn of phrase—there’s a wryness to her narration that sparkles, even when the plot meanders. While this particular story wasn’t quite my thing, I’m still very curious to explore more of her work. Sometimes it’s just not the right book at the right time, and that’s okay.